Product

• Lotem^® 800
• Lotem 800 II
• Lotem Quantum
• Lotem Quantum Spectrum

Symptoms

• Plates are stuck in punch.
• Punch rod fails to release plates.
• The following error messages are generated:
  • “Punch motor didn't end...”
  • “Plate stuck in punch...”

Cause

Punch motor is not strong enough to complete its cycle of punching through two or more plates.

Solution

The solution for releasing a plate from the punch is dependant on whether the platesetter has a Local2 board or a Local3 board installed:

Solution for platesetters with Local2 boards

In the Registry, change the punch’s direction of rotation. This causes the punch to rotate back to its previous home position, and then the plate can be easily pulled out from the punch.

To change the punch’s direction of rotation:

1. In the Registry, navigate to the following parameter:
   Punch System/Punch Motor/Home Position Direction.
2. Change the parameter’s value from either 0 to 1, or from 1 to 0.

Note: There is no need to change this parameter back to its original value, because the punching action is symmetrical, meaning it does not matter in which direction the motor rotates.

Solution for platesetters with Local3 boards

If a platesetter has a Local3 board installed, it is not possible to change the punch’s direction of rotation via the Registry. However, an adaptor cable has been designed to perform the same function. When the punch direction inverter cable (part number 504L3E525) is installed between the punch and the platesetter’s female connector, it reverses the direction of the punch motor. This action elevates the punch pin from the plates and allows the plates to be released.

To install the inverter cable and release plates stuck in the punch:

1. Release the loading cassette.
2. Open the platesetter’s front door.
3. Disconnect the cable from the stuck punch motor and connect the punch direction inverter cable (part number 504L3E525):
   
   
   
4. Insert a cassette interlock defeater.
5. In Lotem Controller, open the stuck punch dialog box.
6. Request that the platesetter's operator activates the stuck punch motor via Lotem Controller. At the same time, pull the stuck plate from the punch. If the plate is still stuck in the punch, then disconnect the punch direction inverter cable and reconnect the original cable. Operate the stuck punch motor again and try and pull the plate out from the punch.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until the plate is released.
8. When done, remove the punch direction inverter cable and make sure that the original cable has been reconnected.
9. Remove the cassette interlock defeater.
10. Insert the cassette and close the platesetter’s front door.

Technical contact(s)

Itai Peperovich

Submitted by

Itai Peperovich

Date submitted

18 Oct 2004